Riverside Co. Middle School Student Pronounced Dead After An On Campus Fight 

A 13- year boy who attended Landmark Middle School in Moreno Valley, California was pronounced dead Tuesday night. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department announced the death Wednesday afternoon. On September 16, the student was involved in a fight on school grounds. During the altercation the boys head was knocked against a pillar.

Rigorous medical intervention and treatment efforts at an area hospital were unsuccessful for the teenager identified only as Diego.

“Preparations by Diego’s family are underway for organ donation to transform this tragedy into the gift of life for other children,” said the sheriff’s department. “We join the community in mourning the loss of this young man.”

The two suspects previously arrested for the assault which led to Diego’s death remain in the custody of Riverside County Juvenile Hall, facing prosecution for this assault. Due to the age of the involved parties, no further details regarding this incident will be publicly released at this time.

The school has a reported history with bullying and violence. Parents have complained about the amount of fights on campus, claiming this was not an isolated incidence.

The Moreno Valley Unified School District will be providing counselors to help any students or family members deal with grief.

The district will instead hold a remembrance ceremony for Diego at Landmark Middle School.

The Sheriff Department released this warning to the public, “Violence in the communities served by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department will not be tolerated, especially involving our youth.”

Anyone with further information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Investigator Joshua Manjarrez at 951-955-2777, assigned to the Central Homicide Unit or Investigator John Tometich at 951-486-6700, assigned to the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station Investigation Bureau.